Skoda Octavia Estate vs Kia Cee'd Sportswagon vs Toyota Auris Touring Sports
New Toyota Auris Touring Sports battles Skoda and Kia estates
Compact family estates have never been the most glamorous of purchases. But as the hatchbacks on which they are based move upmarket, so these practical counterparts feature a new level of quality to complement their versatile luggage areas.
In this test, we give two new class arrivals a thorough workout. The Toyota Auris Touring Sportsstands out not only for its practicality, but also the fact it comes with hybrid power – unique in this class – as well as petrol or diesel engines. For this test, we try the petrol-electric version in Icon trim.
Up against it is the all-new Skoda Octavia Estate – crowned Best Estate at Auto Express’ New Car Awards. It’s a front runner in this class for carrying capacity, and scores with its high-quality interior, so will be a strong contender in this test in top-spec Elegance trim with a 1.6 TDI diesel engine.
Completing our trio is another of our favourite estates: the Kia Cee’d Sportswagon. In mid-range 3 trim, the smart-looking Kia combines a spacious boot with a long list of standard equipment, and is sure to be a tough opponent for any newcomer.
Verdict
The latest compact estates prove that you don’t have to compromise if you want a practical load carrier with a premium edge.
Unfortunately, the Toyota Auris Touring Sports falls first, despite its low running costs and decent interior. The boot is reasonable, but the back seats are too cramped to make it a viable family choice. And while the car comes into its own around town, once out on the open road it’s simply not as accomplished as its rivals here.
Second place goes to the Kia. It delivers decent performance and great economy, plus it matches the Auris in terms of boot space, while the back seats are roomier. However, the Sportswagon isn’t quite as versatile as our winner.
The new Octavia Estate has the biggest boot and the most user-friendly features, while passenger space is first-rate and the classy cabin is a step ahead for quality and standard kit. The 1.6-litre TDI diesel doesn’t show the new car in its best light, and we would avoid the optional 18-inch wheels, too, but the Skoda is still good enough to comfortably take victory in this test.
